The 6th International Ceramic Triennial UNICUM 2026 X Center Rog: Beyond Use

The UNICUM 2026 Triennial promotes sustainable approaches through the use of environmentally responsible materials and techniques, as well as through critical reflection on the environmental impact of production. In addition to its established open call and exhibition programme in the field of artistic ceramics, this year’s edition introduces, for the first time, an exhibition of functional ceramics entitled Beyond Use, organised by Center Rog. The exhibition will be on display in the Main Hall from May 15 to September 5, 2026.

The exhibition aims to highlight the intersections between design and everyday use, presenting ceramics as a dynamic and contemporary medium that transcends traditional notions of function and positions itself within a broader design context. It will present innovative and functional ceramic works that rethink both utility and formal expression — from tableware and household objects to unique pieces that engage contemporary living environments and architectural contexts.

The exhibition Beyond Use offers an overview of contemporary ceramic design that questions the central role of utility in shaping objects and determining their value. The selection of works was made through an international open call, with the final choice carried out by a three-member international jury consisting of Rok Oblak, Susanne Jøker Johnsen, and Ann Van Hoey. Out of 140 applicants from 34 countries, who collectively submitted 218 projects, the jury selected 60 works by 53 authors from 20 countries. The selection process emphasised innovation in the understanding of utility, quality of design, material research, and relevance to contemporary living, while also taking ecological and social aspects into account.

Selected Authors:

Sharol Ahluwalia, Soyeon An, Marta Armada Rodriguez, Charlotte Becker, Teresa Berger, Balázs Botos, Juliette Charlot, Rebeka Ciesielczuk, Eva Conci, Freddie Crossley, Anamarija Dimovska, Janža Dolinšek, Peter Esih, Društvo Pjorkkala – Žan Girandon, Pia Groleger, Luka Pleskovič, Barbara Gogala, Carlos Gomez, Sara Guerreiro, Ana Haberman, Nika Horvat, Ljubica Jocić Knežrvić, Strahinja Jovanović, Philip Kenny, Nikola Knežević, Maja Kotar, Bojana Križanec, Filip Kulčar, Anamarija Ludvik, Pia Mršek, Olga Osnach, Jana Osterman, Babos Pálma, Jasmina Pejčić, Sandra Prami, Kristina Pucko, Guido Pupulin, Igor Ravbar, Victor Remere, Bojana Ristevski Mlaker, Elizabeth Russell, Virginia San Fratello, Valentina Stocco, Nika Stupica, Weronika Surma, Krisztina Szente, Arkadiusz Szwed, Nika Šantej, Ana Ščuka, Vesna Vidrih, Velimir Vukićević, Aleksandra Went-Zielińska, Simona Žiher

Represented countries:

Austria, Finland, France, India, Ireland, Italy, South Korea, Canada, Colombia, Hungary, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America